Wednesday, March 29, 2023
  • Events
  • Interviews
  • Jobs
  • Opinion
  • Whitepapers
  • Podcasts
  • Web Hosting Directory
  • Login
  • Register
Cloud7 News
  • Cloud Computing
  • Web Hosting
  • Data Center
  • Linux
  • Cybersecurity
  • More
    • Software
    • Network/Internet
    • Hardware
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Windows
    • Policy/Legislation
    • Blockchain
    • Troubleshooting
    • How-Tos
    • Articles
No Result
View All Result
Cloud7 News
  • Cloud Computing
  • Web Hosting
  • Data Center
  • Linux
  • Cybersecurity
  • More
    • Software
    • Network/Internet
    • Hardware
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Windows
    • Policy/Legislation
    • Blockchain
    • Troubleshooting
    • How-Tos
    • Articles
No Result
View All Result
Cloud7 News
No Result
View All Result

Home > Linux > 7 best CentOS alternatives

7 best CentOS alternatives

If you are looking for a CentOS alternatives or replacement like millions of other CentOS users, make sure to take a look at our list.


Erdem Yasar Erdem Yasar
January 13, 2023
5 min read
7 best CentOS alternatives

In December 2020, CentOS’s parent company Red Hat announced that the company is shifting its focus from CentOS Linux to CentOS Stream, which is an upstream development platform for ecosystem developers. CentOS is still being used by millions of system administrators for their servers, virtual machines, and appliances.

Table of Contents

  • What are the best CentOS alternatives?
    • AlmaLinux
    • Rocky Linux
    • Ubuntu Server
    • Oracle Linux
    • Debian
    • Fedora Server
    • OpenSUSE
  • What is the future of CentOS?
  • Will there be a CentOS 9?
  • How long will CentOS 8 be supported?
  • Is CentOS Linux going away?
  • Which Linux will replace CentOS?

What are the best CentOS alternatives?

After Red Hat’s announcement, users started looking for a reliable CentOS alternative. Most CentOS users are trying to find the best CentOS replacement or alternative to suit their needs. If you are one of those, our list may help you find your next distro.

AlmaLinux

AlmaLinux
AlmaLinux

AlmaLinux was created initially by CloudLinux, known for its experience in the Linux OS ecosystem. AlmaLinux OS is an open-source, community-driven, enterprise-grade Linux operating system. AlmaLinux is a 1:1 binary-compatible clone of RHEL guided and built by the community. AlmaLinux also provides easy migration from CentOS, allowing entire server fleets to be converted with a single command.

For more information, you can take a look at our interview with CloudLinux CEO, Igor Seletsky on AlmaLinux.

  • Website: almalinux.org
  • Download AlmaLinux from AlmaLinux Repo

Rocky Linux

Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux

Rocky Linux is also announced shortly after Red Hat’s decision and named in honor of CentOS co-founder Rocky McGough. It is a free, community-based server-oriented Linux distro developed by CentOS’s original co-founder, Gregory Kurtzer. Kurtzer is also aiming to create another community-based CentOS replacement. Rocky Linux’s first stable release was released in the June of 2021.

  • Website: rockylinux.org
  • Download Rocky Linux: https://rockylinux.org/download

Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu Server
Ubuntu Server

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions, both for server and desktop use. Although Ubuntu is a CentOS alternative it is from the Debian Linux family tree and it also uses various software packages that CentOS is not using. On the other way, Ubuntu is not an RPM-based Linux distribution. For using the RPM packages on Ubuntu, you can use Alien to convert the package into a DEB file. If you are 100% sure that Ubuntu meets all your demands and it is the best option for you, you can move from CentOS to Ubuntu but don’t forget, it is a really big decision.

  • Website: ubuntu.com

Oracle Linux

Oracle Linux
Oracle Linux

Oracle Linux is an RHEL fork, which is currently available and allows you to migrate from CentOS without reinstalling. It is also 100% application binary compatible with RHEL and has been available since 2006. It offers two different kernels, Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel and Red Hat Compatible Kernel. Oracle guarantees that Oracle Linux source code and binaries will always be free, however, if you need support, it costs $1.199 annually.

  • Website: oracle.com/linux/
  • Download Oracle Linux’ all versions: Oracle Linux ISOs

Debian

Debian
Debian

Debian Linux is also a very popular open-source Linux distro that provides strong server distribution. It is also one of the oldest and most popular Linex kernel-based operating systems. Since it is a community-driven and old distro, you can find a lot of online sources in case of need. Debian Linux is also known for its wide range of software selection and architecture support. The developers provide solid documentation which may be very useful for your migration process.

  • Website: debian.org
  • Download Debian: Getting Debian

Fedora Server

Fedora Server
Fedora Server

Fedora is sponsored primarily by Red Hat with additional support from other companies. It is another upstream source of the commercial Red Hat Enterprise. The community is centered around four principles, features, freedom, first, and friends. Fedora Server mainly focuses on modern data center technologies and allows to take control of all services and infrastructure. Fedora is a short-lifecycle community-supported server operating system. So there is no paid-support option, in case the community is always eager to assist the users in need.

  • Website: getfedora.org
  • Download Fedora Server: getfedora.org/server/download/

OpenSUSE

OpenSUSE
OpenSUSE

openSUSE is also a very popular distro for both servers and desktops. It is sponsored by SUSE Software Solutions Germany GmbH and other companies. openSUSE comes with YaST -an installation and configuration tool- that provides an easy-to-use interface and powerful configuration capabilities. The distro offers two different formats, the LTS-style release Leap and the rolling release Tumbleweed. If you want to use openSUSE as a CentOS alternative on your server, it will be wise to use the Leap version, which is considerably more stable than Fedora Server.

  • Website: opensuse.org
  • Download OpenSUSE: download.opensuse.org/distribution/openSUSE-stable/iso/

We can easily say that AlmaLinux and RockyLinux are the best CentOS alternatives. Currently, the two most popular CentOS replacements are AlmaLinux, created by the experienced CloudLinux team, and Rocky Linux, created by one of the original co-founders of CentOS.

What is the future of CentOS?

According to Red Hat’s decision, CentOS Project is named CentOS Stream, which will be a rolling release version and there won’t be any new releases after CentOS 8, the 31st December of 2021.

Will there be a CentOS 9?

No, there will not be a CentOS 9. CentOS 8 reached the end of life on December 31, 2021, and It has been named CentOS Stream.

How long will CentOS 8 be supported?

CentOS 8 has been supported until December 31, 2021.

Is CentOS Linux going away?

No, CentOS is not going away technically, however it is turned into CentOS Stream and there won’t be new releases after 31st of December, 2021.

Which Linux will replace CentOS?

Currently, strongest candidates which are capable of replacing CentOS are AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux.


  • Also if you are looking for the Linux Server Distro, read our article: Best Linux server distros

See more Linux News

A comprehensive guide to understanding Linux: What is Linux?


Tags: AlmaLinux OSCentOSDebianFedoraLinux DistroopenSUSEOracle LinuxProject LenixRocky LinuxUbuntu Server
Erdem Yasar

Erdem Yasar

Erdem Yasar is a news editor at Cloud7. Erdem started his career by writing video game reviews in 2007 for PC World magazine while he was studying computer engineering. In the following years, he focused on software development with various programming languages. After his graduation, he continued to work as an editor for several major tech-related websites and magazines. During the 2010s, Erdem Yasar shifted his focus to cloud computing, hosting, and data centers as they were becoming more popular topics in the tech industry. Erdem Yasar also worked with various industry-leading tech companies as a content creator by writing blog posts and other articles. Prior to his role at Cloud7, Erdem was the managing editor of T3 Magazine.

Comments 3

  1. RetiredIT says:
    1 year ago

    I recently tested Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux. Rocky came out on top by a mile. AlmaLinux would not even show my flash drive on the desktop no matter what I did. This is a very serious bug! Debian is also rock solid as a server. I gave up on Ubuntu back in 2012 (way too buggy), openSuse is an install disaster, Fedora flip flops from one release to another and Oracle is simply too expensive. Bottom line? Go for Rocky Linux or Debian.

    • AriGold says:
      1 year ago

      Thanks! Super helpful. Have to eventually move off of CentOS. Funny how I went with CentOS for my server specifically to ensure longevity in my server, its security and stability. As of today I am now trying to get an action plan together to prepare for a migration.

  2. jh says:
    12 months ago

    > Oracle guarantees that Oracle Linux source code and binaries will always be free, however, if you need support, it costs $1.199 annually.

    One dollar and 20 cents? I had no idea Oracle was so reasonable.

Next Post
Launch of new business by Arch Capital: Digital Halo

Launch of new business by Arch Capital: Digital Halo

Related News

What is Nvidia Canvas Everything you need to know

What is Nvidia Canvas? Everything you need to know

March 28, 2023 6:00 pm
Trisquel GNU/Linux 11.0 released, download now

Trisquel GNU/Linux 11.0 released, download now

March 28, 2023 10:20 am
Best free WordPress.com themes

Best free WordPress.com themes

March 27, 2023 10:00 pm
What is a Daemon in Linux?

What is a Daemon in Linux?

March 27, 2023 8:01 pm
Get free daily newsletters from Cloud7 News Get the Cloud7 Newsletter
Select list(s):

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

By subscribing, you agree to our
Copyright Policy and Privacy Policy

Get the free newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest IT business updates straight to your inbox.

Select list(s):

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Recent News

  • What is Nvidia Canvas? Everything you need to know
  • How to install and run Android apps on Windows
  • A new storage and optic communication tech is on the way
  • Interview: Pete Morgan, co-founder and CSO of Phylum
  • Trisquel GNU/Linux 11.0 released, download now

Cloud7 News
Cloud7 is a news source that publishes the latest news, reviews, comparisons, opinions, and exclusive interviews to help tech users of high-experience levels in the IT industry.

EXPLORE

  • Web Hosting
  • Cloud Computing
  • Data Center
  • Cybersecurity
  • Linux
  • Network/Internet
  • Software
  • Hardware
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • How-Tos
  • Troubleshooting

RESOURCES

  • Events
  • Interviews
  • Jobs
  • Opinion
  • Whitepapers
  • Podcasts
  • Web Hosting Directory

Get the Cloud7 Newsletter

Get FREE daily newsletters from Cloud7 delivering the latest news and reviews.

  • About Us
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Contact

© 2023, Cloud7 News. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Cloud Computing
  • Web Hosting
  • Data Center
  • Linux
  • Cybersecurity
  • More
    • Software
    • Network/Internet
    • Hardware
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Windows
    • Policy/Legislation
    • Blockchain
    • Troubleshooting
    • How-Tos
    • Articles
  • Events
  • Interviews
  • Jobs
  • Opinion
  • Whitepapers
  • Podcasts
  • Web Hosting Directory

© 2023, Cloud7 News. All rights reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
Sign In with Google
Sign In with Linked In
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Sign Up with Facebook
Sign Up with Google
Sign Up with Linked In
OR

Fill the forms below to register

*By registering into our website, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.